manipulatively

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Word: Manipulatively

Part of Speech: Adverb

Definition: When someone does something "manipulatively," they do it in a way that is skillful or clever but often unfair or dishonest. It means they are trying to control or influence someone else's feelings or actions for their own benefit.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "manipulatively" to describe actions or behavior that involve influencing others in a subtle or deceptive way.
• It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the person has selfish intentions.

Examples:

1. Simple Example: She spoke manipulatively to make her friend feel guilty about not helping her.
2. Advanced Example: The politician acted manipulatively during the debate, twisting the facts to gain more support from the audience.

Word Variants:

• Manipulative (adjective): Describing a person or action that influences others cunningly. (e.g., He has a manipulative personality.)
• Manipulation (noun): The act of controlling or influencing someone or something in a skillful manner. (e.g., Her manipulation of the situation led to unexpected results.)

Different Meanings:

While "manipulatively" typically refers to influencing others in a negative way, the root word "manipulate" can also mean to handle or control something skillfully without negative implications (e.g., a doctor manipulating medical instruments).

Synonyms:

• Cunningly
• Deceptively
• Craftily
• Schemingly

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Pulling strings: This idiom means to control or influence a situation from behind the scenes, often without others knowing.

  • Example: He’s just pulling strings to get what he wants.

• Playing mind games: This phrase refers to using psychological tactics to manipulate someone’s thoughts or feelings.

  • Example: She’s always playing mind games to make her friends doubt themselves.

Conclusion:

"Manipulatively" is a word that describes actions taken to influence others in a clever but often unfair way.

Academic

Adverb

1. in an artfully manipulative manner